Vinhos Aparte Classico

About Vinhos Aparte Classico

Vinhos Aparte Classico is a blend of white varieties Arinto, Encruzado, Fernão Pires, & Vital from organically grown plots in both Lisbon and Dão. Harvested by hand in 16kg boxes and brought to the winery. Foot treading for 2 hours and skin contact for 48 to 72 hours. Indigenous yeasts fermentation. Gravity decanted to oak barrels where it finishes alcoholic fermentation and malolactic. Continues to age for 6 months in neutral French oak barrel (4-8-years-old.) Blended 1 month before bottling, unfiltered and 45mg total Sulphur added. Total production is 1,600 bottles. The best barrels are selected taking into account an aesthetic style: Spotless, crispy, fresh, and focused. This wine is produced with the aim of not being labeled as natural wine in a blind tasting. Clean and fruity, with green apple, lime zest, and white flowers. Medium body and fresh, with medium acidity and a balanced finish.

About Vinhos Aparte

Y’all remember Slipknot? Well, this is the Portuguese vinous version of them. In an attempt to highlight the farmers they source from, they have decided to keep their identity anonymous.

The project was founded in 2018 and the name comes from a forgotten barrel of skin contact Moscatel de Setubal which was forgotten and left “apart”. When they tasted what was inside, it was liquid gold, and alas the Vinhos Aparte concept of winemaking was born. Giving wines the necessary time and peace for them to be fully expressive became their modus operandi.

Skin contact Moscatel is nothing new in Setúbal, they have been making wines like that here for ages. It allows the aromatic grape to gain some texture and complexity. After realizing that doing less was actually a good thing the guys took a more hands-off approach to winemaking and began experimenting with native grapes in various plots allowing them to express themselves.

They work with native varieties from around Lisbon and ferment their wines wildly in an old warehouse turned winery. All of the grapes are handpicked and the wines are made without additives of any kind. Very similar to “Amor Per La Terra,” they are also buying grapes from local farmers that they know are working naturally.

Luis, Diego, & Guillermo, while all still having day jobs, have worked in various sides of the industry before, as sommelier, winemaker, and viticulturist. Both Guillermo and Diego’s families owned vineyards and made wines, like many people in the area, but it was not until the guys got together over a forgotten barrel of Moscatel which became “liquid gold” after 6 months undisturbed that their name was first realized and the vision took place.

All of their bottles are limited editions with art created by their friends based on the idea of the harvests. Everything we’ve tasted from them has been outstanding, and we look forward to each new release they have coming.